Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” From his vantage point in the nineteenth century, he was expressing frustration with the typical leader who feels the need to stick with an opinion that has outlived its usefulness. The modern world also seems to punish leaders who change their perspective, branding them flip-floppers.

In a dynamic world, though, opinions, beliefs, and plans should change as new information becomes available. There are several things leaders can do to change their minds without seeming capricious.

One reason leaders have to change their minds publicly is that they often assume leading means setting a clear priority and position on every breaking issue. Even though information is available quickly, it often takes a while before a leader is informed enough to know what to do, say, or believe about an evolving situation.

Leaders need to learn to communicate that they do not have enough information to provide a decisive opinion. You can let people know that you are gathering information and you’re concerned about feeling you will be locked into whatever you say first. You can reinforce the point that delaying issuing a statement or opinion is not the same as not taking an issue seriously.

When a situation requires some action, you can determine what steps you need to take to prepare for action, even when you’re not willing to commit to a particular course. There are times when keeping a variety of options open is the right thing to do.

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